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malapropism

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "malapropism": A malapropism is the unintentional act of using a word that sounds similar to the intended word but

What does "malapropism" mean?

A malapropism is the unintentional act of using a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a completely different—often humorous—meaning. The mental image is someone trying to sound sophisticated but tripping over their own vocabulary, ending up saying something ridiculous instead of what they meant. The term originates from the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play "The Rivals," who was notorious for these blunders. It is generally used to describe accidental speech errors in formal or literary contexts, rather than deliberate puns or wordplay.

"malapropism" in conversation

Office meeting

I’m afraid our budget is currently quite illiterate.

I’m afraid our budget is currently quite illiterate.

Did you mean 'illiquid'?

Did you mean 'illiquid'?

The speaker accidentally used 'illiterate' (unable to read) instead of 'illiquid' (lacking cash).

Casual coffee chat

I need to get a new prescription for my glasses; my sight is getting very distracting.

I need to get a new prescription for my glasses; my sight is getting very distracting.

You mean 'distorted'?

You mean 'distorted'?

Using 'distracting' instead of 'distorted' creates a funny misunderstanding.

"malapropism" in a sentence

  1. He claimed he was a victim of circumstance, but he said 'victim of circus dance'.

    He claimed he was a victim of circumstance, but he said 'victim of circus dance'.

  2. The politician’s malapropism during the debate became the highlight of the evening news.

    The politician’s malapropism during the debate became the highlight of the evening news.

  3. Her speech was riddled with malapropisms, rendering her grandiloquent message unintentionally comedic.

    Her speech was riddled with malapropisms, rendering her grandiloquent message unintentionally comedic.

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